The Breastplate of Righteousness

Recap

Open with prayer

There is a reason we’re buckled with the belt of truth.

The truth we are buckled with is Knowing Jesus, Knowing His Word, and living His word.

Dr. Tony Evans says: The believer needs to seek God’s word on any matter if he wants to find the truth - not anyone else’s word

Can We know truth without knowing Jesus?

What does it mean to live in the word?

Review

Read 14

What does a breastplate do?

the breastplate is the last line of defense that you have in battle, but it’s also on of the most important pieces in the armory. The breastplate protects the vitals. lungs, heart, liver, stomach. a hit to any of these is fatal.

example: deer hunting

in the christian life and the christian’s battle, we’re told that righteousness is our breastplate and we’re commanded to put on the breastplate.

How do you put on the breastplate of righteousness?

Two ways - two examples.

Read , , and

How is Jesus described in these verses?

Being righteous is doing what is right in the sight of God

Recognizing that we are sinners, we first have to be made righteous in the sight of the Lord. How is this done?

Read Romans 5:19

We are not righteous until Jesus makes us righteous with his good works. not ours.

In the first sense, putting on the breastplate of righteousness is not something you do. It is something that is done FOR you by the atoning work of Jesus on your behalf.

However, there is still a command to “put on” the breastplate that needs to be obeyed

Read

Wake from sleep - ignorance, or indifference to eternal things

Cast off the works of darkness - all the things holding us to the kingdom of darkness - a dress

Walk properly in the day - You now have the ability to please God in your works, living in the truth, living out the word.

Put On the Lord Jesus -

Make no provision - your sins don’t get the pleasure of satisfaction - your attention is living in obedience to Christ

Our First example of this is Jesus

Read

Jesus focused on pleasing the Father

Jesus would not gratify his flesh

What are some obstacles that keep you from doing all God expects of you?

What do you sense God is asking you to avoid or stop doing? Write your answer.

How well are you obeying Him in this matter?

to what degree do you desire to be obedient in this matter?

To what degree are you able to be obedient?

Our second example is David

Read

Review the sin cycle in David’s life

What was the chink in David’s armor?

What was the good news that David recieved in ?

How is that better news for us as New Testament believers?